Dental veneers made from porcelain are heralded as the gold standard of cosmetic dentistry. They can transform the appearance of a smile almost instantly and patients can look forward to a minimally invasive procedure that is quite efficient. But porcelain is one of the more expensive materials to use on dental veneers so it makes sense to find out how long they can be expected to last before you commit to a treatment. Let’s take a closer look at how long do porcelain veneers last and what you can do to make yours last longer.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are covers or thin shells that can be used to camouflage imperfections. They cover up damage, decay and discolouration and give natural teeth the appearance of an even and symmetrical smile.
What Are Dental Veneers Used For?
Veneers are purely cosmetic and even though they can strengthen a natural tooth slightly, they are not used for restorations. Some of the most common issues that dental veneers can cover up include
Teeth that are:
- Cracked, chipped, fractured or broken
- Asymmetrical or small can be made bigger or longer
- Decayed
- Discoloured but do not respond to teeth whitening
Why Are Porcelain Veneers So Sought-After?
Porcelain is a favourable material for dental veneers, for a number of reasons. Its aesthetic is very natural looking and it can be matched closely to the colour of your natural teeth. It is also appreciated for the way it reflects light, in much the same way as tooth enamel. It is thin and transparent, just like dental enamel. Porcelain is long lasting, stain-resistant and unlikely to chip or break.
So How Long Do They Last?
The short answer to ‘how long do veneers last’ is that it really depends on the person, but the average is 15 to 20 years. Studies show that in the majority of cases porcelain veneers will last for at least ten years on average, and some will last for many years longer.
One study found that veneers made from porcelain were still intact after 20 years. An important finding from this same study also identified good preparation helped them to last longer on average.
The weakest point of a veneer is the cement that bonds it to the tooth, which means that preparation is integral to having a long lifespan.
Knowing how long porcelain veneers will last on average is a very important consideration. When you have the procedure, your dentist will remove a layer of dental enamel. When they have reached the end of their lifespan you will need to have a new set made because the veneers replaced your enamel. Removing them will expose your mouth to decay and damage, so you will need to have new ones put on.
What Can You Do To Make Your Porcelain Veneers Last Longer?
The three factors that affect how long they last are:
- The appearance of the porcelain veneer no longer being suitable
- The veneer falling off
- The veneer chipping or breaking
How long porcelain veneers last depends on factors, such as
- Where they are positioned
- The way in which your natural teeth were prepared
- The type of material used (porcelain lasts much longer than composite resin)
- Your standard of oral health and oral care
Our Tips To Make Your Veneers Last For Longer
Don’t Use Your Teeth As Tools
Porcelain is a strong material but it does have limits. It is a type of glass so any excess force could cause damage. You should not use your teeth to open bottles or crunch through ice. Not using your teeth as tools can help your veneers last longer.
Manage Plaque Control And Decay
While the dental veneers are not subject to decay, the underlying tooth is. Poor oral care or not visiting your dentist often enough could compromise the structural integrity of the tooth below the veneer. It’s very important that you continue to floss if you have veneers. Flossing safeguards you against gum disease, which can cause a host of complications as well as the development of a space between your gums and veneers.
Buy A Mouthguard
If you’re going to have veneers in 2021, invest in a mouthguard for playing sports and to wear at night when you sleep. Grinding at night or a trauma to the mouthguard can cause unnecessary damage, and may result in your veneers not lasting as long.
Do Crowns Last Longer Than Veneers?
A crown is also a suitable treatment for a damaged tooth but caps are used more often for restorative purposes than cosmetic changes. Crowns are thicker than veneers and are also available in different materials. Crowns can also be made out of porcelain but structurally a crown will cover the entire tooth whereas the veneer will only cover the front.
Veneers made out of porcelain are used most commonly on the front eight teeth.
A more accurate way to find out how long do porcelain veneers last is to ask your dentist about his or her own patient experiences. Statistics are one thing; asking for first hand professional advice might give you a clearer picture.
To find out more please contact us for an appointment at:
Pyrmont: (02) 9158 6213
Illawong: (02) 9158 6756
Sylvania Waters: (02) 9159 6083
